Puerto Rico All Stars

Band Introduction: Not to be confused with the 1963 group that put out a 4 track EP under the band name of the "Puerto Rican All-Stars Featuring Kako". They were more of an alternate take to the "Alegre All Stars".



This group is the legendary "Puerto Rico All Stars" which started in 1977 as the Puerto Rico alternative to the acclaimed New York based "Fania All Stars".



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PUERTO RICO ALL STARS

Original Release Date: 1977

Re-release Date: August 10, 1992

Label: Combo Records

Total Time: 40:47



Track Listings

1. Introduccion Puerto Rico All Stars (5:50)

2. Changuiri (6:17)

3. A Mi Manera (4:24)

4. Budo (3:12)

5. Reunión en la Cima (5:58)

6. Los Tambores (5:44)

7. Cachomba (3:14)

8. Canto a Borinquen (6:08)



Review:Exceptional recording by an elite group of musicians and the most popular Puerto Rico-based salsa singers of the day remains as fresh and timely as ever. "Reunion en la Cima" and "Los Tambores" (arranged brilliantly by Jorge Millet) are nothing short than splendid; the band's brass offers powerhouse solo and ensemble work on "Budo."Among Puerto Rico's finest salsa moments. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr.,

All Music Guide (AMG)



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PUERTO RICO ALL STARS LOS PROFESIONALES

Original Release Date: 1978

Re-release Date: August 10, 1992

Label: Combo Records

Total Time: 34:06



Track Listings

1. Aqui en Mi Pueblo (5:44)

2. Tu y Yo (2:40)

3. A Quitarse (4:10)

4. Regino Suarez (4:41)

5. El Cantar del Coqui (3:15)

6. No Volveré (3:02)

7. Ciriaco Valdes (4:44)

8. Alianza de Generales (5:50)



Review:The second outing from Puerto Rico All Stars is even more spectacular than the first; Jorge Millet's brilliant arrangements still stand the test of time in tunes like "Aqui En Mi Pueblo" (superbly performed by Andy Montanez, with Juancito Torres on memorable trumpet solos) and "Alianza de Generales" (with Lalo Rodriguez on vocals, Papo Pepin and Tony Sanchez Jr. on solos). Texidor, Allen, and Yayo El Indio are outstanding. A crowning achievement by Puerto Rico's elite salsa group of the '70s. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr.,

All Music Guide (AMG)



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PUERTO RICO ALL STARS TRIBUTE TO THE MESSIAH

Original Release Date: 1979

Re-release Date: September 21, 1993

Label: Combo Records



Track Listings

1. Adoracion

2. Pa'La Ocha

3. Busca Lo Tuyo

4. Bomba del Corazon

5. Puerto Rico

6. Oyelo Que Te Conviene

7. Justicia



Review:This staggering Puerto Rico All Stars tribute to Eddie Palmieri is (along with the first two PRAS recordings) among the finest salsa recordings ever made in Puerto Rico. It is arguably Jorge Millet's greatest work (whose eclectic, supercharged arranging style was mainly influenced by Palmieri's). Juancito Torres, Andy Montanez, and Lalo Rodriguez simply explode on this ageless recording, as fresh as when released back in 1979. Watch for 16-year-old Gilberto Santa Rosa ("Busca lo Tuyo") on his third LP. ~ José A. Estévez, Jr.,

All Music Guide (AMG)



PUERTO RICO ALL STARS DE REGRESO

Original Release Date: March 5, 1996

Label: UMG / RMM

Total Time: 48:45



Track Listings

1. De Regreso (6:38) - Puerto Rico All Stars

2. Tito, el Rey (8:01) - Hector Tricoche

3. Quien Dijo Miedo (5:27) - Darvel Garcia

4. Boricua Hasta la Muerte (5:01) - Andy Montañez

5. Chango Ta Beni (3:50) - Josue Rosado

6. Prefiero Ser Rumbero (5:09) - Victor Manuelle

7. Despierta Boricua (4:16) - Primi Cruz

8. Un Saludo (3:55) - Liza Montañez

9. Cuban Fantasy (6:28) - Puerto Rico All Stars



Review:After 16 years, the PRAS (1995 edition) return with a well-intended, but mostly indifferent production. Although the talent is here, with good moments by Tricoche, the jazz standard "Cuban Fantasy," and the always excellent Andy Montanez, it simply cannot compare to the excellence firmly established by the three earlier productions. Liza (Montanez' daughter) has a nice turn in her maiden recording effort ("Un Saludo"). ~ José A. Estévez, Jr.,

All Music Guide (AMG)